Let’s start by explaining what Compassion is.Â
Some say it is simply:Â Empathy + Action = CompassionÂ
Compassion has been defined more detailed as a quality of noticing and attending to others needs and having a genuine concern for others well-being. People are often motivated because of wanting to remove suffering from others.
What does Compassion have to do with Your Mental Health?
As discussed by the Canadian Mental Health Association, there is a large body of scientific evidence that suggests that compassion in all its forms, is extremely impactful on robust mental health. You can give compassion, receive compassion and experience compassion.
Let’s talk about self-compassion.Â
We often wrongly assume we know what others are going through or feeling. When we approach others and ourselves without judgment and therefore stigma we can truly be compassionate and support healing and care. One strategy that can support being compassionate is by taking a step back, avoiding assumptions and then without judgment, practicing showing love and care. When we talk about giving compassion to others, it can often make more sense or seem easier than doing this for ourselves. Everyone is worthy of love, empathy and compassion, always, including you.
Often we are hardest on ourselves. When we make mistakes or things are hard, we beat ourselves up for not being perfect or believe things about ourselves, like we are bad or wrong in some way. What are some ways that you can think of that you are hard on yourself? Do you repeat negative statements about yourself? Do you limit things because you are ‘sure’ you will fail? Do you beat yourself up after making a mistake?
What if we decided instead, to choose to accept that we are okay just the way we are and that we are still worthy of love and belonging even when we make mistakes or things are hard. Compassion supports our mental health. When we accept ourselves, we are better able to be resilient when things get hard and people are found to be happier and show less symptoms of mental problems and have an improved quality of life.
Another way to support our own mental health and show compassion for ourselves to ask for support, reach out to others and get support from mental health professionals.Â
The thing is, mental health is part of your heath. It is not something bad or wrong, it is simply part of being human and taking care of ourselves sometimes means getting support. We have no problem going to the dentist for teeth care, just as we should have no problem talking to a therapist for mental health care. Working with a therapist can help you.Â
Book a free consultation with a therapist today.